shingles

[DoctorTan]

Boss has been giving everyone here very good and accurate medical information. Just a few details to add:

1. Chickenpox can also be spread by saliva. So sharing of food and drinks with a person suffering from Chickenpox will also put you at risk. It can also be spread by airborne droplets (i.e. coughing, sneezing)

2. If you have been diagnosed with Chickenpox or Shingles please stay far far away from pregnant women. You are not doing anyone any favors by showing your dedication to your company and going to work when you have active CP/Shingles.

3. The Shingles vaccine is indicated for people > 50 years of age but really, everyone should take it much younger. Almost all patients I see with Shingles are younger than 50.

4. If you do develop Shingles please see your doctor and get anti-viral medication immediately. Yes it will go away on its own even if you do not take medicines. However, there is a higher risk of what is know as post-Shingles pain that can plague you for months after the blisters have disappeared. This is because Shingles really screw up the nerves and it can take the nerves a long time to become normal again.